Embezzlement is a crime that occurs when a person unlawfully takes possession or uses property or money entrusted to them, but instead of returning it or using it as instructed, they retain it for themselves or use it improperly.

Here's a common example of embezzlement: if a person receives a sum of money from someone else with the task of delivering it to a third party, but instead keeps the money for themselves, they commit the crime of embezzlement.

This crime can involve physical property, such as objects or money, or financial assets, like funds entrusted to a person for a specific purpose.

The specific laws and definitions of embezzlement may vary from country to country. In many legal systems, the severity of the penalty may depend on the amount or value of the embezzled property or money. In any case, it's important to seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney if you find yourself involved in an embezzlement situation, to fully understand the legal implications and available options.